Depolymerization of SUMO chains induces slender to stumpy differentiation in T. brucei bloodstream parasites.

ABSTRACT: Trypanosoma brucei are protozoan parasites that cause sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in cattle. Inside the mammalian host, a quorum sensing-like mechanism coordinates its differentiation from a slender replicative form into a quiescent stumpy form, limiting growth and activating metabolic pathways that are beneficial to the parasite in the insect host. The post-translational modification of proteins with the Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier (SUMO) enables dynamic regulation of cellular metabolism. SUMO can be conjugated to its targets as a monomer but can also form oligomeric chains. Here, we have investigated the role of SUMO chains in T. brucei by abolishing the ability of SUMO to polymerize. We have found that parasites able to conjugate only SUMO monomers are primed for differenti

SUBMITTER: Iribarren PA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11060531 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature